Concrete Pour Marks Start of Kaiga‑5 & 6 Nuclear Units in India
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Concrete pour starts Kaiga‑5&6 construction, aiming criticality in five years The first concrete was poured at Kaiga nuclear power plant, signalling the project has entered the construction phase; NPCIL aims for the new unit to reach criticality within five years, marking a key milestone in India's nuclear expansion [1].
Regulatory board approved pour for two 700 MW PHWR units India's Atomic Energy Regulatory Board gave approval days before the ceremony for Kaiga units 5 and 6, both 700 MWe pressurised heavy water reactors, confirming compliance with safety and licensing requirements [1].
NPCIL adopts streamlined EPC packages to speed delivery The corporation said the project uses a limited set of mega‑EPC contracts—excavation, nuclear island, turbine island, and nuclear instrumentation—to reduce interface issues and accelerate construction timelines [1].
Units are indigenous, safety‑focused, and domestically sourced NPCIL described the reactors as state‑of‑the‑art PHWRs with advanced safety features, built with components from Indian industry partners, supporting the government's Atmanirbhar (self‑reliant) initiative [1].
Project expected to generate jobs and boost regional economy NPCIL highlighted that the construction will create substantial employment, stimulate business opportunities, and improve infrastructure for the Uttara Kannada district and surrounding areas [1].
Excavation began 2022; L&T supplied half the steam generators; INR 12,800 crore contract awarded to Megha Engineering, largest NPCIL order, part of a ten‑reactor fleet targeting 100 GW by 2047 Work started in May 2022, Larsen & Toubro has delivered four of eight steam generators, and in April 2025 NPCIL signed a 12,800‑crore (≈ USD 1.5 bn) EPC contract with Megha Engineering, the biggest to date, as India pursues additional 700 MW units at multiple sites to reach its 100 GW nuclear goal [1].
- NPCIL: “In a first, Kaiga‑5&6 project is being implemented adopting an innovative strategy involving just a few mega EPC packages … to enable faster project execution and reduced interface issues.” – corporate statement on construction approach.
- NPCIL: “Kaiga Units‑5&6 are state‑of‑the‑art, indigenous 700 MW PHWRs, which incorporate advanced safety features and are among the safest in the world … aligning with the Atmanirbhar initiatives of the Government.” – corporate statement on design, safety, and domestic sourcing.